The advisory also contains the direct link to the CDC website containing the information at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/han/han00364.asp , as well as two NYS contact numbers for further questions. Bureau of Communicable Disease 518 473-4439 or Bureau of Healthcare Associated Infection's Healthcare Infection Control 518 474-1142

The State Emergency Medical Advisory Committee (SEMAC) approved a proposal to allow basic life support emergency medical services agencies and certified first responders to carry Intranasal Narcan (naloxone hydrochloride). It is sprayed into the nostrils to reverse respiratory depression caused by an overdose of opioid-based drugs such as prescription painkillers and heroin. When approved by the director of the Bureau of EMS and the Commissioner of the Department of Health, BLS ambulance and first responder agencies can carry and administer intranasal Narcan. As there already is a “Friends and Family” intranasal Narcan program in several states, a “Public Access Narcan” program similar to the AED and Epi Auti-injector programs will be developed, as was done with epinephrine autoinjectors.

There have been many changes related to EMS education in NYS to align with the National EMS Education Standards. Many resources related to the changes including the new practical skills testing sheets can be found on the Bureau of EMS website www.health.ny.gov/nysdoh/ems/main.htm under the Education section.

Plans for an updated and improved version of thie website are underway with a projected implementation date of early July. Mobile applications will also be available for several of the features on the full scale website. Watch for our new look and new options!!

Watch the following video to see how the ESD website and printed directories can be used by different types of emergency services.